Nanostructured Titanium for Improved Endothelial Biocompatibility and Reduced Platelet Adhesion in Stent Applications

Abstract

Although coronary stents have improved the early and long-term consequences of arterial lesions, the prevention of restenosis and late stent thrombosis is key to prevent a new obstruction of the vessel. Here we aimed at improving the tissue response to stents through surface modification. For that purpose, we used two different approaches, the use of nanostructuration by electrochemical anodization and the addition of a quercitrin (QR) coating to the Ti surface. Four surfaces (Ti, NN, TiQR and NNQR) were characterized by atomic force microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy and contact angle analysis and QR content was evaluated by fluorescent staining. Cell adhesion, cytotoxicity, metabolic activity and nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated on primary human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVECs). Platelet adhesion, hemolysis rate and Staphylococcus epidermidis CECT 4184 adhesion at 30 min were analyzed. Nanostructuration induced an increase on surface roughness, and QR coating decreased the contact angle. All surfaces were biocompatible, with no hemolysis rate and lower platelet adhesion was found in NN surfaces. Finally, S. epidermidis adhesion was lower on TiQR surfaces compared to Ti. In conclusion, our results suggest that NN structuration could improve biocompatibility of bare metal stents on endothelial cells and reduce platelet adhesion. Moreover, QR coating could reduce bacterial adhesion.